Tobacco Budworm
Common: Tobacco Budworm
Scientific: Helicoverpa virescens
Crop Hosts: Cotton, corn, tobacco, tomato
Identification and Life Cycle: The budworm overwinters as pupa in the soil. The adult moth emerges in the spring and lays eggs singly on the underside of leaves. They have a 1 1/2-inch wingspan and are light green in color. The larvae hatch from the eggs in 5 days and move to the buds. Larvae development requires about 18 to 30 days. Pupation occurs in the soil and there are 2 to 3 generations per season.
Geographical Distribution: Southern and western states. Most destructive in the Gulf Coast states.
Damage and Treatment: The damage — destruction of cotton squares and bolls — is very similar to that of the cotton bollworm. The first two generations usually occur on corn, tobacco etc. and it is not until the third generation in late summer that the budworm becomes destructive to cotton.
Treatment should be made when insect populations and/or damage levels reach economic thresholds. Refer to local University Extension Pest Management Guidelines for specific state thresholds.
Always refer to product labels for specific use instructions.